April 1 | John 13

Katie Borden
Apr 1
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

THE END

By Katie Borden

“Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (v.1)

…to the end.

This sentence might be one of my favorites in all of the Gospel of John. This phrase sets up a chapter of scripture in which we are given a front-row seat into the events of the evening before Jesus’ death, and how his love for his beloved children is expressed in all of it, all the way to “the end.” From washing the disciples’ feet like a servant to releasing Judas to commit the evil of betrayal to commissioning his disciples to love like he does, Jesus—knowing fully what is coming in his next twenty-four hours—unwaveringly presses on in the fullness of love and faithfulness to his Father and to his creation. He knows what he is about to endure in the darkest of night on that Thursday and into the darkest of all days on Friday, and he willingly—lovingly—walks that path. Jesus is faithful to love his own all the way to the end of his life.

…to the bitter end.

What I especially love about the Greek word that is used here to describe “the end”—telos—is that it can mean multiple things. It can mean what we might first expect it to mean: the physical or temporal end of something, like the end of one’s life. But telos can also indicate the fulfillment of something, like the achievement of a purpose. And while we see Jesus being faithful in the way of love to the physical end of his life, we also see Jesus living out his love for us in a way that brings about the ultimate completion of his purpose—he brings his love to its fullest expression in his self-sacrificial work on the cross which brings us life. Jesus is faithful to finish his work and bring about the greatest work of love the universe has ever known. Jesus loved to the end.

…to the glorious end.

As we walk this Holy Week in the shadow of the cross, may we give thanks and praise to Jesus for his beautiful, redeeming and life-giving love, to the glory of God for ever and ever! Amen.

PRAYER

Jesus, we cannot comprehend a love like this—a love which endures the worst of betrayal, utter humiliation, and heartache to the bitter end. At the same time, we are so thankful for this depth of perfect love you show to each of us and all of us. May you empower us by your Spirit to live lives that pour out love in gratitude for your gift of life for us. We love you back. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

KATIE BORDEN

I’m a lifelong member of UALC and have had the privilege of serving our community in both volunteer and staff roles over the years. I love learning, OSU football, good conversations, chocolate croissants, laughter, and sharing about the good news of Jesus in whatever capacity I can.